How many ways to spin a pizza? If London’s pizza scene is anything to go by, the limit does not exist. In the past several months alone we’ve had a slew of new pizza spots drawing inspiration from all over – classic Napoli, the various versions found across the US (NYC, Chicago, New Haven), and a newer London take that’s starting to emerging from the capital’s ever-growing scene – as well as those expanding on what a pizzeria can be. Here, three new spots to hit before the next wave of pizza arrives.
Doctor Dough, Chiswick
The pizza at Doctor Dough in Chiswick is crisp-based and light – and, according to the restaurant’s founder Sonay Ali, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2023 – easier to digest than many other options out there. It’s all down to the lengthy, 72-hour fermentation Ali undertakes at the new spot, which recently opened in the neighbourhood after popular residencies at spots including the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith and the Brewery Tap in Brentford. Those bases are the foundation for toppings like pepperoni, margherita, tomato pie, vodka pie and a standout white pie (made with fragrant rosemary, garlic and mozzarella). While it’s collection only at the moment (with a few tables out front), a dining room will open in September, with wine and cocktails to accompany the pies.
Napoli on the Road, Soho
West London’s Napoli on the Road opened a sleek new restaurant back in February – a two-parter, with a pizza restaurant on ground level and a tasting menu-only upstairs spot that has only just opened. Its MO is a seven-course tasting menu designed to showcase the breadth and depth of the craft of pizza. The idea, founder Michele Pascarella says, is to encourage diners to think about the Neapolitan stalwart as one part of a longer, slower meal. The menu will change with the seasons, but might include dishes like its ricordi di infanzia (beef ragu) pizza and vitello tonnato reworked as a Piedmontese padellino (a small, round, thick-crust pan pizza born in Turin).
Bar Etna, Newington Green
One of the US’s top pizzaiolos has collaborated with one of London’s sharpest hospitality operators to launch what’s already become a hit pizzeria, in Newington Green. Bar Etna is from Ed McIlroy, co-founder of Four Legs (the team behind beloved Finsbury Park pub The Plimsoll and Spanish chippy Tollington’s) and lauded Philadelphia chef Joe Beddia. They’re bringing together London and east coast elements – most notably in the curry pizza, which is “sort of like a sag paneer, minus the paneer,” says Beddia. There’s also a classic tomato sauce, mozzarella, cheddar and oregano, and rotating seasonal specials, alongside other always-on pies, cocktails and soft serve.
Additional reporting by Jo Taylor and Sasha Murray.
